I can’t fully express my feelings this evening. Today we enjoyed a presentation by Molly Schiessl, owner of Fourth Corner Fine Quilt Gallery in Ashland, Oregon. Molly has recently relocated to Eugene, and agreed to share some of her antique quilt collection at our quilt show. The presentation was amazing!

She began by asking members of the audience what type of documentation they included on their quilts: the date, a dedication, signature of the quiltmaker, and even the age of the quiltmaker are all very useful information to attach to the quilt. Most historical quilts do not have that information; they are undated and unsigned. Molly’s collection dates from the 1840’s to the 1940’s. Here are a few photos of quilts she shared with us:

Crib quilt, probably from a kit

Closeup, isn’t it nice?

Here’s another one:

I love this circus theme!

And look what she also had!

So that tells you a lot about how common this kit must have been!!

Then she showed this sensational quilt, Elizabeth Norcross’ 1847 New Jersey Quaker Friendship Quilt. This quilt has inscriptions throughout the blocks, ink drawings, wonderful detail!

But before I finish this post, let me just show you this marvelous example of Broderie Perse

1819 Broderie Perse Quilt

Here’s a nice closeup. The workmanship is wonderful!

Seeing these marvelous quilts made my heart sing! Quilting transcends the generations, and I can imagine the quilters who lived long ago as well as the quilters yet to be. We were so fortunate to have Molly Schiessl share her wonderful quilts with us!